Questionnaire survey for the detection of osteoporosis. Approaches to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Lifestyle Risk Factors

Handbook for women after forty. Home Encyclopedia Danilova Natalia Andreevna

How to prevent osteoporosis

Not many, unfortunately, there are lucky women who have never been bothered by back pain in their lives. At the same time, women over the age of 50 should be aware that acute back pain is not always osteochondrosis. Osteoporosis often gives similar pain. What is it?

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton, which is characterized by a decrease in the content of bone tissue in the skeleton and a violation of its structure, followed by an increase in bone fragility and an increase in the risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis does not affect everyone. Thus, according to the results of a study of bone density in women after the onset of menopause, only 7-8% have a high risk of fractures, the average risk is 20%, and the rest is very insignificant.

Unfortunately, in the early stages of this disease there are no pronounced symptoms, so many women simply do not know that bone loss occurs in the body. However, what should be your concern? If you are 50 or older, any vague back pain, spinal curvature, or loss of height deserves the utmost attention. The most typical symptoms of osteoporosis are dull pain in the back, especially when alternating between rest and movement, pain in all the bones, and sensitivity to body jar. Osteoporosis can come on suddenly in the midst of full health, such as a sharp pain in the back when lifting a heavy bag.

Osteoporosis is characterized not only by pain, the main danger is a variety of fractures. Wrist fractures, known as Collis fractures, are usually the result of an attempt to prevent a fall with the hand. A hip fracture is one of the most serious fractures requiring long-term treatment in the future. A fracture of the hip joint can occur as a result of a fall or a slight impact, such as when a car brakes hard. The fact is that sex hormones affect the maintenance of the life cycle of bone tissue at a normal level. When levels of these hormones drop after menopause, bone tissue thins: the tiny cells in the bone enlarge to the point that they look like holes in Swiss cheese. The thickness and density of the bone decreases, the bone becomes brittle and breaks quite easily.

How do you know if osteoporosis is at risk for you? Find in the questionnaire (Table 1) the columns that apply to you and calculate the number of points.

Table 1

Questionnaire "Risk factors for osteoporosis"

* If you have been taking hormone replacement therapy since you stopped menstruating, enter 0 points.+

Results processing

If the total score is less than 5, then the risk of developing osteoporosis is negligible. If you counted from 5 to 8 points, the risk of a fracture is average. If the total score is greater than 9, then the risk of fractures is high. Such a calculation, of course, is very approximate, but still it is advisable not to delay a visit to the doctor if the results of the survey bother you.

In order to prevent osteoporosis during menopause, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. It has been established that taking hormones for 5 to 7 years reduces the risk of fractures by half, but this treatment is not suitable for all women. That's why it's so important to eat a calcium-rich diet during menopause. The best sources of calcium are milk and dairy products (various cheeses and cottage cheese), green vegetables (parsley, lettuce, onions), legumes, nuts, fish, citrus fruits.

There are certain norms for calcium intake per day. Women over 40 years old who do not take HRT for any reason are recommended 1500 mg of calcium per day, women over 40 years old and taking HRT - 1000 mg per day, women over 60 years old are recommended 1200 mg calcium per day. That is why it is so important to include foods high in calcium in the diet, which are our main supplier of this element (in mg per 100 g):

1) dried fish with bones - 3000;

2) hard cheese - 600;

3) canned sardines with bones - 350;

4) eggs - 300;

5) milk chocolate - 240;

6) celery - 240;

7) parsley - 190;

8) dried apricots - 170;

9) onion - 120;

10) yogurt - 120;

11) milk - PO;

12) sour cream - 100;

13) cottage cheese - 95;

14) peanuts - 70;

15) black bread - 60.

These indicators in various sources differ somewhat from each other, but in any case, you can calculate how much calcium the body will receive per day with foods. If this is clearly not enough, but you do not have the opportunity to change the diet, then in addition to the diet, you can take calcium supplements containing 500 or 1000 mg of active calcium.

If you do not want to take pills, then you can replenish calcium in the body in the following safe folk way. The benefits of eggshells have been known for a long time, and now scientific studies confirm that calcium in eggshells is in a form that is closest to the form of calcium in the human body.

Rinse the egg shell well (preferably from market-bought eggs), add water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Then remove the film, dry the shell in the air and grind. You can grind as you like - even by hand in a porcelain mortar, even in a coffee grinder. The main thing is that the grinding is fine, so after grinding it is better to sift. Next, pour the shell powder with lemon juice and put it on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator until the shell dissolves. Take 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day. The proportion is as follows: for a shell of 3 eggs - the juice of 1 lemon.

However, it is difficult to solve the problem of osteoporosis only with enhanced nutrition and taking calcium-rich tablets. The fact is that with age, calcium begins to be poorly absorbed if its ratio with other food components and, first of all, with phosphorus, magnesium and proteins is disturbed. So, phosphorus in the body should come as much as calcium. Here is a list of the foods richest in phosphorus (in mg per 100 g):

1) cheeses - 200-800;

2) dark chocolate - 280;

3) eggs - 200;

4) fish - 150-200;

5) wholemeal bread - 180;

6) yogurt - 120;

7) white bread - 100;

8) cauliflower, broccoli - 80.

Calcium absorption worsens even if your body lacks vitamin D. If you eat a lot of dairy products, eggs, fish liver, take multivitamins and are in the sun for at least 15 minutes a day, then vitamin D deficiency does not threaten you .

On the other hand, with an excess of fat, a significant part of the calcium is excreted through the large intestine. Carbonated drinks, coffee, smoking, certain medications (antacids, glucocorticoids, diuretics) and a sedentary lifestyle also prevent the absorption of calcium.

Women suffering from osteoporosis often find themselves in a vicious cycle: because of the pain, they limit their physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle leads to further bone loss. While women who exercise have greater bone density than those who do not exercise at all.

If you have back pain, you need to reconsider your lifestyle.

1. Choose chairs and chairs with backs that support your back. The bed should be firm enough to keep the deformed back in a comfortable position while sleeping. The position in which the back rests is lying straight on the back with bent knees.

2. Rising from a chair or bed, help yourself with your hands. Try not to sit in the same position for a long time. If you are traveling by plane or train, get up every half an hour to stretch and relieve tension in your back muscles.

3. The main danger of osteoporosis are fractures, which usually occur during a fall. To avoid traumatic situations, it is very important to reasonably organize your life. Make sure that at home you are not "in wait" for dark corners, slippery floors or rugs with curly edges. If you are using stairs, make sure the railings and steps are secure enough. Give preference to comfortable shoes with stable heels. Be careful when walking outside, avoiding wet or icy sidewalks.

4. Watch how you lift weights. Take the weight on the thigh muscles, not on the back muscles. Stand in such a way that your feet are as close to the base of a heavy object as possible, bend your knees, take the object and straighten your legs, while keeping your back straight. The object at the moment when you pick it up should be close to the body - the farther from the body the object, the greater the load on the back.

5. Be attentive to your health and well-being. Older women often have reduced vision, poor coordination of movements, and sudden dizziness, so you need to regularly check your eyesight, visit a neurologist, and control your blood pressure.

6. Avoid the constant, uncontrolled use of sedatives and other drugs that can make you sleepy during the day and thereby dull your alertness. These are drugs such as antihistamines, sleeping pills, antidepressants, and alcohol. It is better to opt for light sedatives (herbal infusions, relaxing baths, self-massage).

It's never too late to start exercising. Even the habit of brisk walking will help you strengthen your bones. Try to set aside 20-30 minutes a day for exercise. You will see how your back straightens, your posture improves, and your pelvic floor muscles strengthen.

We offer you an affordable set of exercises that you can perform without even getting out of bed. Despite the apparent lightness of this complex, it will give you a boost of energy for the whole day.

This text is an introductory piece. From the book Back and Spine Health. Encyclopedia author Rodionova Olga Nikolaevna

From the book Official and Traditional Medicine. The most detailed encyclopedia author Uzhegov Genrikh Nikolaevich

From the book Civil Code of the Russian Federation the author GARANT

From the book Home Directory of Diseases author Vasilyeva (comp.) Ya. V.

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by thinning of the bones, leading to fractures. In osteoporosis, a large number of “holes” form in the bones. They become similar in structure to a sponge. As a result, even a small injury leads to

From the book Diseases from A to Z. Traditional and non-traditional treatment author

Osteoporosis General information Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the skeleton, accompanied by a decrease in bone mass and increased bone fragility, which leads to susceptibility to fractures (spontaneous or with minimal trauma). There are three main types of osteoporosis:

From the book 200 intimate questions to the gynecologist author Pochepetskaya Olga

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease associated with a decrease in bone mass, expressed in its increased fragility and, as a result, leading to fractures. Fractures in this disease occur with minimal impacts that we face every day.

From the book Encyclopedia of Dr. Myasnikov about the most important author Myasnikov Alexander Leonidovich

4.1. Osteoporosis or "weak bones" The essence of the disease - in the "washout" of calcium and loss of bone mass. Bones become weak and brittle. The vertebrae break and “sag”: people become shorter, hunched; they are concerned about bone pain, frequent fractures with small

From the book Encyclopedia of Diagnosis and Treatment from A to Z author Liflyandsky Vladislav Gennadievich

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the skeleton, accompanied by a decrease in bone mass and an increase in bone fragility, which leads to susceptibility to fractures (spontaneous or with minimal trauma). There are three main types

From the book Home Guide of the most important tips for your health author Agapkin Sergey Nikolaevich

Osteoporosis In osteoporosis, the bones become thinner, losing calcium and protein framework, and become brittle. The spine, hips, and wrists are usually the most affected, and these are the areas where bone fractures are most likely to occur. Although osteoporosis is more common among women,

From the book What to do in emergency situations author Sitnikov Vitaly Pavlovich

How to prevent accidents Helpful Hints: All medicines and dangerous substances (acetic essence, gasoline, household chemicals, etc.) must be kept out of the reach of children. Away from children, it is also necessary to keep sharp piercing and cutting

From the book Be able to provide first aid author Maslinkovsky T I

The event is held within the framework of the month dedicated to the regional holiday - Pensioner's Day. For the third year in a row it has been organized by the SoyuzPromExpo exhibition company. The project is supported by the City Administration of Yekaterinburg, the City Center for Medical Prevention, the Yekaterinburg Employment Center, the Ural branch of the Russian Pension Fund, and the Russian Post.

The goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of middle-aged and older people living in Yekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk region, to promote the sale of goods and services for them. One of the main values of the event is that visitors have the opportunity to communicate with representatives of authorities, domestic and social services, specialists in medicine, psychology, tourism, financial and legal services.

About a hundred participants of the exhibition-fair within three days will present their stands to the attention of visitors, where you can see, try on, buy your favorite things, participate in various master classes.

On each of the three days, the guests of the exhibition will undergo free medical diagnostics (measure blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, determine the body mass index) and receive medical advice.

Visitors will listen to lectures by the city's leading experts on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, strokes, senile dementia, and will also receive useful information about proper nutrition.

You can find out about employment opportunities at the stand of the Ekaterinburg Employment Center. Specialists of the Ural branch of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation will tell about the new pension formula. Every day at the exhibition-fair there will be a drawing of prizes among visitors.

The accompanying program of the exhibition includes more than 30 events, including a beauty contest for people over 50 years of age "The most charming and attractive", a workshop on the topic of social fraud and Beauty Day.

Deputy Head of the Yekaterinburg City Administration for Social Policy Mikhail Matveev:

Age over 50 is traditionally called elegant. According to statistics, life expectancy is increasing, and there are more and more people of elegant age. And they want to lead an active lifestyle, to feel like full-fledged members of society. They can get support at such exhibitions. The administration of the city of Yekaterinburg has a positive attitude towards the exhibition "Third Age", which is organized by the company "SoyuzPromExpo" for the third year in a row. Because people need help, they need communication, a place where they can come and get answers to various questions - which are within the competence of the Employment Center, the Pension Fund, medical and sanatorium institutions. The exhibition is needed for people of mature age, here they can get a lot of useful information, which they then use in their active life.

The text was prepared by Elena Porunova

This is a test International Osteoporosis Association « Are you at risk for osteoporosis?»

Your family history

(what you can't change)

1. Did your parents have (have) a fracture due to minimal trauma (falling from a height of their own height or less) or was osteoporosis diagnosed?

2. One of your parents had (has) a violation of posture (such as " widow's hump»)?

Your personal clinical data

(those risk factors that a person is born with or cannot influence them. But this does not mean that they should not be paid attention to. It is necessary to be aware of these factors in order to take measures to reduce the loss of bone mineral)

3. Are you 40 years old or older?
4. Did you have bone fractures as an adult with minimal trauma?
5. Do you often fall? More than once a year? Do you have a fear of falling?
6. Have you lost 3 cm or more since the age of 40?
7. You have a low body weight (BMI< 19 кг/м 2)?
8. Have you taken glucocorticoid tablets (prednisolone, medrol) for more than 3 months without a break (prescribed for bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases)?
9. Do you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis?
10. Have you been diagnosed with hyperfunction (increased function) of the thyroid or parathyroid glands?

For women

11. Did you stop menstruating before age 45?
12. Have you stopped your periods for 12 months or more (not due to pregnancy, menopause or hysterectomy)?
13. Were you spayed before the age of 50 and you are not taking hormone replacement drugs?

For men

14. Have you ever suffered from impotence, decreased sex drive, or other symptoms associated with low testosterone levels?

Lifestyle Risk Factors

15. Do you regularly drink alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day)?
16. Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
17. Do you do less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity (walking, doing homework, etc.)?
18. Do you avoid or are allergic to milk or dairy products and do not take additional calcium supplements?
19. Do you spend less than 10 minutes outdoors (with your skin exposed to the sun) without supplemental vitamin D?

If you answered " Yes» to any of these questions, it does not mean that you have osteoporosis. Positive answers mean that you have clinically proven risk factors which can lead to osteoporosis and fractures. Show the results of the test to the doctor, he will prescribe x-ray bone densitometry and, if necessary, treatment. If you do not have risk factors or they are few, however, you need to monitor their occurrence in the future.

Notes

1. Body mass index(BMI) is calculated for both men and women based on height and weight data. Weight in kg should be divided by height in meters squared (weight in kg/[height in m] 2). The index is reduced - less than 18.5, the norm is 18.5-24.9, increased - 25-29.9, obesity - 30 or more.

2. 1 dose of alcohol is 10 ml (or 8 g) of pure ethyl alcohol. High alcohol intake increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Beer 4% - 250 ml, wine 12.5% - 80 ml, vodka 40% - 25 ml.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone content in the skeleton and a violation of its structure, followed by an increase in bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

In the early stages of this disease, there are no pronounced symptoms, so many women simply do not know that they are losing bone tissue. If you are 50 or older, any vague back pain, spinal curvature, or loss of height deserves close attention.

The most typical symptom of osteoporosis is a dull pain in the back, especially when alternating between rest and movement. Some patients report pain "in all the bones", sensitivity to shaking of the body. Often, patients are treated for sciatica for a long time, without much effect. These symptoms are associated with the destruction of bone tissue. When the number of areas of destroyed bone tissue increases, the bone, having lost its original structure, becomes brittle. At this stage, fractures are possible even with a slight load.

Osteoporosis can manifest itself suddenly against the background of full health, for example, a feeling of sharp pain in the back when lifting a heavy bag or in the arms of a grandson.

Wrist fractures, known as Collis fractures, are usually the result of an attempt to prevent a fall with the hand. Hip fracture is one of the most serious fractures requiring long-term treatment in the future. A fracture of the hip joint can occur as a result of a fall or a slight impact, such as when a car brakes hard.

The spine is very susceptible to osteoporosis. The vertebrae are affected by many tiny fractures called microfractures of the vertebral bodies. A vertebra destroyed from the inside at some point under the influence of a load on the spinal column breaks - a compression (compressive) fracture of the spine occurs. Such a change in the spine leads to a gradual decrease in height, in some cases up to 15 cm, and its curvature with the appearance of a characteristic posture: a hunched back and a protruding abdomen. As a result, the functioning of the internal organs worsens: breathing difficulties may occur, pain may appear in the lower back and in the region of the heart due to compression of the nerves extending from the spinal column, and the activity of the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed.

A woman can expect further fractures if she does not receive timely treatment (see HRT preparations). Dear women, do not leave treatment "for later"!

Women suffering from osteoporosis can find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle that destroys both their health and self-esteem. Because of the fear of the recurrence of pain, women limit their physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle leads to further loss of bone tissue.

The structure of bone tissue

The bones of the skeleton perform a supporting function, they are necessary for the mechanical protection of internal organs, and are also a place of storage of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc).

The skeletal system is distinguished by its harmonious and rational structure, which allows it to withstand maximum loads with a minimum of building material. A bone can be compared to a tower crane (strong yet lightweight construction).

The organic basis of the bone substance consists mainly of proteins, while the mineral one consists of calcium and phosphorus salts.

When magnified, the hard and smooth surfaces of bones have a porous structure. There are different types of bone tissue, which are most often different parts of the same bone: compact layer and spongy substance. Bones such as the vertebrae, the neck of the femur, the epiphysis of the radius are composed mainly of spongy substance. In the spongy substance, bone beams are arranged in the form of curved plates connected by transverse or obliquely running crossbars. In general, there is an openwork system that looks like a honeycomb. The long tubular bones of the limbs consist mainly of a compact substance in which the bone plates are located very tightly.

Bones, like other internal organs, are made up of cells. There are special cells that constantly destroy bone substance (osteoclasts); cells that renew, restore bone (osteoblasts) and cells responsible for the formation of the bone skeleton and mineralization of bone tissue (osteocytes).

During a person's life, processes of restructuring of bone tissue constantly occur in the bones: in some separately taken small area of bone tissue, bone tissue is destroyed, then the removed old bone is replaced by exactly the same amount of new one. The biological meaning of remodeling is to renew bone tissue and preserve the possibility of the transfer of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) into the blood and back. In healthy people, the processes of destruction of bone tissue and the formation of new bone are quantitatively the same. The activity of these cells is controlled by many biologically active substances, such as hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, hormones of the adrenal cortex, vitamin D3 and, finally, sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone).

The creation of bone tissue occurs up to 16-25 years. After reaching the peak (maximum level) of bone mass, by the age of 30-40, its insignificant loss begins, which is 0.2-0.5% per year.

At the age of 30-40 years, bone loss is 0.5% per year. And after the onset of menopause, 3-5% of bone mass is lost per year.

After the onset of natural or surgical menopause, this process accelerates. Against the background of a decrease in the level of sex hormones, there is a predominance of the processes of destruction of bone tissue over the processes of its formation. In the first 5-7 years after menopause, the rate of bone loss reaches 3-5% per year. Further, this process slows down. However, in general, about 40% of bone tissue can be lost in the course of life. These processes are most active in the changing spongy bone, resulting in bone thinning: tiny cells in the bone increase to such sizes that they look like holes in Swiss cheese. The thickness and density of the bone decreases, the bone becomes brittle and breaks quite easily.

As we have already said, sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone and androgens) are responsible for maintaining the life cycle of bone tissue at a normal level. The fall in these hormones after menopause is the main cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Therefore, the main method of treatment and prevention of osteoporosis is hormone replacement therapy (see treatment, HRT preparations). In addition, there are risk factors (additional causes) that accelerate the development of osteoporosis in women: certain conditions, situations and habits (see questionnaire).

Whether there are additional factors in your life that contribute to the development of osteoporosis, you can find out by answering the questionnaire.

The questionnaire lists factors that cause changes in bone tissue. Find those columns that apply to you and count the number of points.

Questionnaire

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

If you have been taking hormone replacement therapy since you stopped menstruating, then you will receive an O score.

First menstruation after 17 years
Long-term use of corticosteroids
Osteoporosis in relatives
Fragile physique
Poor nutrition in childhood

Sedentary lifestyle
Intense sports life or hard physical work, especially if this has led to the cessation of menstruation
Belonging to a European or Asian race
Abuse of alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, salty foods
Increased thyroid function
Total points

If the total score is less than 5, then the risk of developing osteoporosis is negligible. If the total number is between 5 and 8, the risk of fracture is moderate. If the total score is greater than 9, then the risk of fractures is high and you need to see a doctor urgently.

Such a calculation is approximate, one of the accurate methods for diagnosing osteoporosis is densitometry, i.e. instrumental determination of bone density.

Diagnosis of osteoporosis

Successful treatment and prevention of osteoporosis depends on early detection of bone changes.

Currently, densitometry is used to measure bone mineral density and therefore early detection of osteoporosis (before fractures occur). "Densito" - density, "metria" - measurement, "densitometry" - measurement of density, in this context, of bone tissue. The higher the bone density, the more resistant the bones to fracture.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a disease of the whole body, and therefore a decrease in bone mineral density noted in a particular area (forearm, femoral neck, or spine) may indicate an increase in the possibility of any fracture. Some densitometers are equipped with additional programs that allow you to find out the rate of bone loss per year.

Radiography is too late a method of diagnosing osteoporosis, when more than 35% of bone tissue has already been lost.

Drug treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

Currently, there is a wide range of drugs for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, aimed at normalizing mineral metabolism.

Hormone replacement therapy (see HRT preparations). Scientists around the world today are unanimous that the means of preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is the most effective means of solving problems associated with the onset of menopause.

Taking HRT for 5-7 years reduces the risk of bone fractures by 50%.

The good news is that hormone replacement therapy (HRT), while leveling the symptoms of the onset of menopause, is also the prevention of late postmenopausal complications. If you have normal bone mass, the risk of bone loss, and therefore future fractures, will decrease. HRT can be started at any age. The sooner treatment is started, the better the bone will be preserved. To date, it has been established that taking HRT for 5-7 years reduces the risk of fractures by half.

Eat a diet rich in calcium

The first line of defense against osteoporosis is to increase calcium intake in the body. The best sources of calcium are milk and dairy products (various cheeses and cottage cheese), green vegetables (parsley, lettuce, onions), legumes, nuts, fish, citrus fruits.

Calcium absorption improves with estrogen.

There are certain norms for calcium intake per day. Women over 40 who do not take HRT for any reason are recommended 1500 mg of calcium per day, women over 40 and taking HRT - 1000 mg per day, women over 60 are recommended 1200 mg. The table below shows the calcium content of food (per 100 g of product).

Calcium is a hard-to-digest element. Calcium absorption depends not only on its content in foods, but also on its ratio with other food components, and primarily with phosphorus, magnesium and proteins. Calcium absorption also worsens with a diet low in fat (milk fat, egg yolk, fish liver), i.e. those foods that contain vitamin D.

Product	Calcium	Product	Calcium
Dairy:		Nuts:
Milk	100-200 mg	Seeds	100 mg
hard cheese	600 mg	Almond	254 mg
white cheese	300 mg	Peanut	70 mg
Yogurt	120 mg	milk chocolate	240 mg
Sour cream	100 mg	milk chocolate	240 mg
Cottage cheese	95 mg	Vegetables and fruits:
Fish:		Celery	240 mg
Dried fish with bones	3000 mg	Salad	80 mg
Dried fish with bones	3000 mg	Cabbage	60 mg
Canned sardines with bones	350 mg	Dried apricots	170 mg
Boiled fish	30 mg	Onion	120 mg
Eggs	54 mg	Carrot	43 mg
Bread:		Spinach	87 mg
Black	60 mg	Potato	14 mg
White	30 mg	Parsley	190 mg

In addition to the diet, you can take calcium supplements containing 500 or 1000 mg of active calcium. If you need it, talk to your doctor.

With age, due to atrophic processes in the intestinal wall, calcium absorption is disrupted: only 20-40% of calcium is absorbed from food, therefore, for best results, calcium should be taken along with other treatments. After menopause, estrogen therapy improves calcium absorption; over the age of 65-70 years, it may be necessary to combine calcium intake with the active components of vitamin D3.

On the other hand, with an excess of fat, a significant part of the calcium is excreted through the large intestine. There is a point of view that with a large use of carbonated drinks, soluble salts are formed, which are washed out of the bone tissue.

Other causes of impaired absorption of calcium in the intestines and increased excretion of calcium are: smoking, certain drugs (antacids, glucocorticoids, diuretics), drinking coffee, sedentary lifestyle.

Treatment of osteoporosis

Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis is carried out by specialists after establishing an accurate diagnosis, taking into account all aggravating factors. The goals of prescribing medications are to arrest bone loss, prevent further fractures, and, if possible, restore bone. If there have already been fractures, then at least 1/3 of the bone mass has been lost, and in some cases already 50%.

Drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis can be conditionally divided into three groups:

Drugs that suppress the destruction of bone tissue.

Drugs that stimulate the formation of new tissue.

Drugs with multifaceted action.

The choice of the drug is carried out by the attending physician, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient.

Physical exercises

Researchers studying the relationship between bone density, fracture prevention, and exercise have found that exercise regularity is directly related to increased bone mass. Women who exercise have greater bone density than those who don't exercise at all.

It's never too late to start exercising. If you are not a physically active person, ask your doctor to find the best exercise program for your fitness level. Walking fast will help you strengthen your bones. Try to set aside 20-30 minutes a day for exercise. The positive aspects of gymnastics include: increasing the tone and strength of the muscles of the pelvic floor and back, improving posture. Therapeutic exercises should become an important part of the treatment of osteoporosis.

Hydrotherapy involves exercising in water (pool) at body temperature, allowing you to move easily and freely while the water supports you. The heat of water helps to relax muscles and ligaments, relieves pain, increases the amplitude of mobility in the joints. The buoyancy makes exercise easier, while the water resistance strengthens the muscles.

It's never too late to start exercising.

Pain relief

Women with spinal osteoporosis may experience severe back pain, especially after a new fracture. If you have back pain, you need to make some changes in your home and work environment. Try to sit in chairs and chairs with backs that support your back. Reclining chairs, in which your legs are raised up, will also work. The bed should be firm enough to keep your changed back in a comfortable position while you sleep. The position in which your back rests is lying flat on your back with your knees bent.

Rising from a chair or bed, help yourself with your hands. Try not to sit in the same position for a long time. If you are traveling by plane or train, get up every half hour to stretch and relieve tension in your back muscles.

You may need to prescribe special medications to relieve pain.

Fracture Prevention

The main danger of osteoporosis is fractures, which usually occur during a fall. In many cases, falls can be prevented by predicting the situation in advance.

And - if you lift weights with a tense straight back and a raised chin, then this will remove unwanted stress from the spine. The vertebrae are aligned in one line, the loads on the surfaces of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs are evenly distributed, which is extremely important for the safety of the back. When lifting an object from this position, the buttocks and leg muscles actively participate simultaneously with the back muscles.

B - if you lift weights with your back bent and your head down, this leads to an uneven distribution of pressure on the intervertebral discs and back muscles. The discs are simultaneously compressed on one side and stretched on the other, with the main load falling on the lumbar region.

You should check your health regularly. As a woman gets older, falls can be associated with poor coordination of movements or sudden dizziness, so you need to regularly check your eyesight, visit a neurologist, and control your blood pressure. In particular, conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts are more common with age. Avoid the constant, uncontrolled use of sedatives and other drugs that can make you sleepy during the day and thus reduce your "vigilance". These are drugs such as antihistamines, sleeping pills, antidepressants, and alcohol.

At home, you need to create a safe environment with sufficient lighting, without slippery floors and rugs. If you use stairs, check for broken railings or steps. Wear comfortable shoes. Be careful when walking outside, avoiding wet or icy sidewalks.

Watch how you lift weights. "Take" the weight on the thigh muscles, not on the back muscles. Stand in such a way that your feet are as close to the base of a heavy object as possible, bend your knees, take the object and straighten your legs, while keeping your back straight. The object at the moment when you pick it up should be close to the body - the farther from the body the object, the greater the load on the back.

For commercial cooperation and advertising on the portal.